Saturday, September 30, 2017

Kam's Kapsules for movies opening October 6, 2017

 
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun  
by Kam Williams


OPENING THIS WEEK


BIG BUDGET FILMS

Blade Runner 2049 (R for violence, profanity, nudity and sexuality) Sci-fi sequel about an LAPD officer (Ryan Gosling) assigned to save humanity during an alien invasion while searching for a predecessor (Harrison Ford) who's been missing for three decades. With Robin Wright, Wood Harris and Jared Leto.

The Mountain between Us (PG-13 for sexuality, peril, injury images and brief profanity) Adaptation of Charles Martin's best seller of the same name about two strangers' (Kate Winslet and Idris Elba) struggle to survive after their charter plane crashes on a mountain in the wilderness. Ensemble includes Beau Bridges, Dermot Mulroney and Linda Sorenson.

My Little Pony: The Movie (PG for mild action) Big screen version of the animated TV series revolves around a winged unicorn (Tara Strong) accompanied by five friends on a quest to save the Kingdom of Equestria from a dark force threatening their homeland. Voice cast includes Emily Blunt, Kristin Chenoweth, Taye Diggs, Zoe Saldana, Michael Pena, Liev Schreiber and Sia.

Victoria and Abdul (PG-13 for profanity and mature themes) Adaptation of Shrabani Basu's best seller chronicling the unlikely friendship forged between an aging Queen Victoria (Judy Dench) and her 24 year-old, Indian servant (Ali Fazal). With Eddie Izzard, Olivia Williams and Michael Gambon. (In English, Hindi and Urdu with subtitles)


INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

Architects of Denial (Unrated) Ethnic cleansing is the subject of this documentary chronicling the systematic slaughter of almost two million Christians by the Ottoman Empire at the outbreak of World War I. Featuring commentary by George Clooney, Julian Assange and President Barack Obama. (In Armenian, English and Turkish)

Bad Grandmas (Unrated) Crime comedy about four pensioners' (Pam Grier, Florence Henderson, Susie Wall and Sally Eaton) attempt to hide the body of the con man they accidentally killed. With Judge Reinhold, Randall Batinkoff and Brian Jun.

Cold Moon (Unrated) Suspense thriller set in a sleepy Southern town where, in the wake of a terrible tragedy, a ghost arises from the cemetery to embark on a bloody reign of terror. Co-starring Christopher Lloyd, Josh Stewart, Candy Clark and Frank Whaley.

Dina (Unrated) Salt-of-the-earth documentary chronicling the whirlwind courtship of a 48 year-old widow with autism by a virgin with Aspberger's working as a greeter at Walmart who never moved out of his parents' house.

The Florida Project (R for disturbing behavior, sexual references, drug use and pervasive profanity) Coming-of-age drama, unfolding over the course of an eventful summer, chronicling the adventures of a mischievous 6 year-old (Brooklyn Pierce) and her ragamuffin playmates growing up in the shadow of Disney World. With Willem Dafoe, Bria Vinaite and Valeria Cotto.

So B. It (PG-13 for mature themes) Adaptation of Sarah Weeks' children's novel about a 12 year-old orphan's (Talitha Eliana Bateman) cross-country search for the mentally-disabled mom (Jessica Collins) she's never known, after being abandoned in infancy with their agoraphobic, next-door neighbor (Alfre Woodard). Cast includes Cloris Leachman, John Heard and Jacinda Barrett.

Una (R for profanity, frontal nudity and graphic sexuality) Rooney Mara plays the troubled title character in this adaptation of Blackbird, David Harrower's stage play about a statutory rape victim who tracks down her paroled, former next-door neighbor (Ben Mendelsohn) to confront him about why he slept with and then abandoned her when she was 13. With Ruby Stokes, Tara Fitzgerald and Riz Ahmed.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Brad's Status

 
Film Review by Kam Williams




Ben Stiller Stars as Miserable Misanthrope in Midlife Crisis Dramedy

Brad Sloan (Ben Stiller) feels inadequate despite his happy marriage and a thriving business that enables his family to live comfortably in suburban Sacramento. He gets depressed, nevertheless, because he compares himself to his relatively-successful college buddies instead of the Average Joe.

For instance, one pal, Craig (Michael Sheen), is a best-selling author who worked in the White House and now teaches at Harvard. Then there's Billy (Jemaine Clement) who's already retired and shacked up on Maui with a couple of girlfriends after selling his hi-tech company for a fortune. 
 
Another, Jason (Luke Wilson), is a filthy-rich, hedge fund manager with his own airplane. And Nick (writer/director Mike White) is a famous Hollywood director whose home was just featured on the cover of Architectural Digest.

Consequently, rather than count his blessings, Brad considers himself a failure. Furthermore, he has the nerve to not only blame his supportive wife (Jenna Fischer) for his lack of ambition, but to ask her how much they stand to inherit from her parents' estate. Disappointed with her response, he shrugs,."We've plateaued," ostensibly resigning himself to a mundane existence. " This is it."

Brad's existential angst is further amplified when he takes their college-bound son (Austin Abrams) on a tour of schools in the Boston area. For being back in Beantown serves as reminder that he was forced to settle for Tufts after being rejected by the Ivies. 
 
Troy's prospects are much better, since he's a musical prodigy with a good chance of being accepted by both Harvard and Yale. However, that fact doesn't shake his father out of the doldrums, especially after they cross paths with Craig. During the brief encounter, Brad learns that he was the only member of the old gang not invited to Nick's recent wedding. 
 
Thus unfolds Brad's Status, a midlife crisis dramedy, if I ever saw one. Ben Stiller is quite convincing as the jealous title character. The only problem is that it's impossible to empathize with the suffering of a whiny ingrate obviously benefiting from many of the privileges associated with being a white male. 
 
A morality play warning about the folly of trying to keep up with Joneses, especially where the Joneses are all members of America's wealthiest 1%. 




Very Good (3 stars)
Rated R for profanity
Running time: 101 minutes
Production Studio: Sidney Kimmel Entertainment / Plan B Entertainment
Distributor: Annapurna Pictures / Amazon Studios


To see a trailer for Brad's Status, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWx0PdOI98s

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Pretty Powerful

Book Review by Kam Williams


Pretty Powerful
Appearance, Substance and Success
by Eboni K. Williams
Viva Editions
Hardcover, $21.99
224 pages
ISBN: 978-1-63596-662-6


Pretty powerful is the understanding that, as women, we have the duality of both 'pretty' and 'substance' that can (and should) be maximized to achieve any success we set our minds to... While there are significant challenges along the way... we have incredible choice around how we utilize our appearance, coupled with our substance...
This book... is for women who know they are exceptional, who desire to be successful, and who strive toward greatness in all the opportunities life presents to them. This book is for those who understand that womanhood is a strength that, when fully embraced, is unstoppable.
This book is for and about the Pretty Powerful.”
-- Excerpted from the Preface (pages xv-xvii)




Remember you heard it here first: Eboni K. Williams is well on her way to becoming the next Oprah Winfrey. So, appreciate her now and avoid the rush! Like her role model, who represented the State of Tennessee in the Miss Black America contest, Eboni got her start in pageants, from vying for the coveted Miss Cinderella crown as a child to finishing as the first runner-up in the Miss North Carolina competition as an adult.

As brainy as she is beautiful, the attorney-turned-talk show host has admittedly leveraged both her intellect and looks into a promising career on WABC radio and Fox News TV. You can now add "author" to this rising star's impressive resume, as she has just released her first book: Pretty Powerful 
 
The groundbreaking how-to tome puts forth the proposition that it's perfectly respectable for females to be as sexy as they are cerebral in pursuit of professional success. That unorthodox advice flies in the face of the conventional thinking which would have women downplay their pulchritude while climbing the corporate ladder in order to avoid being dismissed as bimbos.

Here, however, Eboni reflects upon her own experiences walking back and forth across the line between fierce and flirtatious personas. She's assisted in making her case by anecdotal evidence furnished by a number of accomplished colleagues who share her daring approach: Johnson Publishing CEO Desirée Rogers, OJ prosecutor Marcia Clark, and conservative political pundit Monica, to name a few.

Don't hesitate to purchase this practical primer so full of priceless pearls of wisdom it amounts to the literary equivalent of buying in bulk!

To order a copy of Pretty Powerful, visit: 

 


Tuesday, September 26, 2017

A Question of Faith

 
Film Review by Kam Williams



Three Families Serendipitously Linked by Tragedy in Moving Modern Parable

Faith-based films ordinarily have limited appeal beyond the Christian community because most tend to be heavy-handed morality plays just preaching to the choir. A Question of Faith represents a refreshing change of pace, since it downplays the proselytizing in favor of character development and a compelling plot. 
 
This carefully-crafted, modern parable explores a timely mix of worldly and spiritual themes in a way apt to entertain Bible thumpers and sinners alike. The picture was directed by Kevan Otto who recruited quite an impressive ensemble to execute Ty Manns' multi-layered script.



Credit the capable cast for disappearing so thoroughly into their parts that it's easy to forget you're watching actors after just a few minutes. One of the stars is Kim Fields who's probably still best known for the iconic role of Tootie she originated on the TV sitcom, Different Strokes, and continued to play for close to a decade on the hit spinoff, The Facts of Life. 
 
The film unfolds in the City of Atlanta where we're introduced to three families dealing with serious life issues. Theresa Newman (Fields) is worried that her workaholic husband (Richard T. Jones) remains so obsessed with taking over as senior pastor of the church from his father (Gregory Alan Williams) that he might break yet another promise to attend their younger son's (Caleb T. Thomas) basketball game. 


 
Elsewhere, we find aspiring gospel singer Michelle Danielsen (Amber Thompson) being pressured to perform at a record company audition by her cash-strapped father (C. Thomas Howell). Overbearing John's ostensibly more concerned with avoiding an impending collapse of his own business than with diagnosing the cause of his daughter's debilitating, recurring headaches. 

 
 
Lastly, we have restaurant owner Katie Hernandez (Jaci Velasquez) reminding her reckless daughter Maria (Karen Valero) to stop texting behind the wheel while making deliveries. She doesn't want the high school senior to do anything that might jeopardize her chances of becoming the first in the family to attend college. 


 
These parallel storylines eventually converge by chance and in very dramatic fashion. Since it would be unfair to spoil any of the ensuing developments, suffice to say that the protagonists are challenged to rise to the occasion in different ways as their fates further intertwine.
A very moving tale of redemption which not only reveals God's grace but makes a case for cross-cultural tolerance that's sorely-needed in these divided times.


Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG for mature themes
Running time: 104 minutes
Production Studio: Silver Lining Entertainment
Distributor: Pure Flix Entertainment


To see a trailer for A Question of Faith, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StNvFjirQks

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Angela White



The “A Question of Faith” Interview
with Kam Williams


White's Insights!

Angela White is a film producer, talent and business affairs executive and member of the Producer’s Guild of America who specializes in creating compelling, commercial material with a distinct perspective. She is the founder of Silver Lining Entertainment, a family-owned Multimedia Entertainment Company based in Los Angeles.
Angela earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware prior to receiving a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Rutgers University. While still at Rutgers, she produced the critically-acclaimed “Hypocritical War on Drugs.”


That riveting, PBS documentary conducted an uncensored investigation of the so-called “escalating war on drugs.” Even though the experience sparked Angela's interest in the entertainment industry, she nevertheless decided to become a lawyer before launching her career.

Whether renting a movie or surfing cable TV or Netflix, one would likely have seen some of her recent films. Her impressive resume includes Busted which was released by Lionsgate in March and stars Rockmond Dunbar; the dark thriller, The Sin Seer, which was released nationwide last year and stars Isaiah Washington and Salli Richardson; the inspirational, made-for-TV film, Who Can I Run To? starring gospel artists Tasha Page Lockhart, Marvin Sapp and Jessica Reedy; the romantic comedy, and My Favorite Five, which stars Rochelle Aytes, Brian White and Jay Ellis.


Among Angela's other offerings are 4Play, My Sisters Wedding, The Last Letter, After Effect and C’mon Man. Here, she talks about A Question of Faith, her highly-anticipated Christian film co-starring stars Richard T. Jones, Kim Fields, T.C. Stallings, C. Thomas Howell, Jaci Velasquez, Gregory Alan Williams and Renee O’Connor.




Kam Williams: Hi Angela, thanks for the interview.
Angela White: Hello Kam, thank you for allowing me to interview with you and I am happy to be here today.

KW: I was very moved by A Question of Faith. What interested you in the project?
AW: Kam, my executive producer, Dr. Cameron Lewis, woke up one morning and encouraged me to look for a "faith-based movie" for our next production, so I started to reach out to my network to see who had a good inspirational story and found "A Question of Faith" after a long and extensive search. This script had some of the elements I was seeking and the writer was willing to allow me to develop the film into a broader story, which was essential to me and Dr. Lewis. The film evolved from the initial script and I brought the director, Kevan Otto, on board. He flushed the story out and made sure we were able to have a solid plotline from beginning to end that could be executed on screen

KW: How did you go about assembling the cast?
AW: With all my feature films, I hire a casting director, and we start with a wish list of actor's names that we think could embody the story and characters. My wish list never quite works out, but God always knows what he is doing as the cast was perfectly made for this film. We had an extensive casting call in Atlanta, and found at least a dozen, local Georgia residents, all of whom starred in the picture.

KW: What does it mean to you to be the first African-American female to release a faith-based film theatrically?
AW: It is a mixture of emotions from, "Wow, we are in 2017 and there are still firsts, to I am honored to carry that torch, as so many before me have done. I would not be in this position if it weren't for the many African-American pioneer filmmakers who enabled us new ones to excel at our jobs.

KW: What's your target demo? Evangelicals, blacks or general audiences?
AW: This film is for general audiences, as we discuss several, timely social themes relevant to all demographics. Everyone can understand and empathize with feelings of compassion, loss, anger, feelings of guilt, shame, and not being able to forgive. The film shows families in situations that most people can relate to or know people who have been in those situations and are seeking some form of guidance or comfort.
 
KW: What message do you want people to take away from the film?
AW: A Question of Faith is a powerful story about forgiveness, racial reconciliation and how God's love, grace and mercy can work in your life. I would love for people to step back in their own lives and think about how they can be a better person to their fellow man, how they can learn that not forgiving can lead to years of anger and resentment that does more harm than good, how we are all one people, and how God only sees our heart. A Question of Faith transcends time, race, gender, class and religious ideology. This is a film that can open one's heart and make a person reevaluate some of their own personal life decisions. We want people to walk away knowing the word of God is there to comfort you and that having faith in what you can not see is okay, as God has your life covered, and the questions you may have are already answered.

KW: A Question of Faith represents a bit of a departure for you. Were you more motivated by spirituality than profit in your decision to commit to the picture?
AW: I was motivated by working on a project that could impact lives and spread the word of God. When our team decided to enter into the world of faith-based movies, we knew of some films that had a good profit margin but we knew of so many others that did not do well. So, it was faith that allowed us to take a chance and work on a project that could affect so many lives and be in our personal walk with Christ.

KW: Was there a meaningful spiritual component to your childhood?
AW: I was raised in the church, in particularly the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, most of my younger years. My parents always have put God first in everything that we do, and attending church growing up wasn't an option for us. I play the piano and started playing for the church by the time I was 11 years old. So, church life has always been a strong presence in my personal life.

KW: Ling-Ju Yen asks: What is your earliest childhood memory?
AW: I can go as far back as sitting with my parents in the doctor's office at around 5 years of age, and being afraid of receiving a shot in my arm. My parents just comforted me, and I knew early on I would be okay.

KW: Who loved you unconditionally during your formative years?
AW: My mother. Mothers are the heartbeat of their children's souls.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?
AW: Lasagna, as It is full of different ingredients. Just like us.

KW: AALBC.com founder Troy Johnson asks: What was the last book you read?
AW: Bishop T.D. Jakes' book: "Destiny: Step Into Your Purpose." 

 

KW: The Morris Chestnut question: Was there any particular moment in your childhood that inspired you to become the person you are today?
AW: For me, I would say early on I had to attend many functions where I was the only African-American child, and this impacted my life early on. I knew from an early age that I represented millions of people who had endured atrocities and yet persevered for my generation to be able to have a "seat at the table." The first time I was ridiculed and attacked for the color of my skin was around the age of 7 when my parents first moved into an all-white neighborhood. These early memories defined me as I knew I would have to stand tall and strong for my family and my race. From that moment, I made sure that I excelled in school and within my career.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
AW: My ancestors.... They paved the way for me to be in the position that I am in today.
KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?
AW: Hard question..... Right now, it would be "peace." Currently, society is dealing with so many troubling circumstances that chaos surrounds us.

KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles asks: With so many classic films being redone, is there a remake you'd like to produce?
AW: I would love to redo Claudine.

KW: Judyth Piazza asks: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?
AW: A strong work ethic.

KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?
AW: I just want people to take away that, no matter what happens in life, you can always pursue your dreams. And do not let anyone or anything deter you away from that. I did not attend film school and, today, I am creating movies that impact people's lives.

KW: Finally, Samuel L. Jackson asks: What’s in your wallet?
AW: History.

KW: Thanks again for the time, Angela, and best of luck with the film.
AW: Thank you Kam and I really appreciate you taking the time of out of your schedule

To see a trailer for A Question of Faith, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StNvFjirQks



Top Ten DVD List for September 26, 2017

This Week’s DVD Releases
by Kam Williams


Top Ten DVD List for September 26, 2017

Watch around the Clock [A 24 Hr. Broadcast Day in Color from TV's Golden Age]
 

Watch around the Clock [A 24 Hr. Broadcast Day in B&W from TV's Golden Age]

Friday Night Lights: The Complete Series [Texas Forever]

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: The Vault Series [6 DVD Set]

Line of Duty: Series 4 [2017 Emmy-Nominee Thandie Newton's BBC Series]

Big Pacific [Exploration of the Ocean Covering a Third of the Earth's Surface]

Janet King: Series 3 [Playing Advantage]

Coach: The Complete Series [Starring Emmy-Winner Craig T. Nelson]

Channel Zero: Candle Cove [Season 1]

Frontline: Life on Parole [Tracking Ex-Cons' Adjustment to Society]


Honorable Mention

Encirclement [Neo-Liberalism Ensnares Democracy]

Flatliners [Special Edition Steelbook]

Oncle Bernard [A Counter-Lesson in Economics]

All the Sins of Sodom / Vibrations [Remastered Erotica Directed by Joe Sarno]

3 Idiotas [Nerdy College Classmates Search for Long-Lost Classmate]

L.O.R.D.: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties [Ancient Asian Oddysey]

Transformers: The Last Knight [Eye-Popping, Non-Stop Spectacle]

Leonard Part 6 [Bill Cosby Sci-Fi Misadventure Arrives on Blu-Ray]

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Kam's Kapsules for movies opening September 29, 2017


Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun  
by Kam Williams


OPENING THIS WEEK



BIG BUDGET FILMS



American Made (R for sexuality, nudity and pervasive profanity) Tom Cruise stars in this warts-and-all biopic recounting the exploits of Barry Seal (1939-1986), the commercial airline pilot-turned-drug smuggler for Pablo Escobar (Mauricio Mejia), the ruthless kingpin of Colombia's infamous Medellin cartel. With Domnhall Gleeson, Sarah Wright and Jesse Plemons. (In English and Spanish with subtitles)



Flatliners (PG-13 for violence, terror, sexuality, mature themes and drug use) Sci-fi thriller revolving around five, adventurous med students who participate in a dangerous, near-death experiment briefly stopping their own hearts in order to experience the after-life. Ensemble cast includes Ellen Page, Diego Luna, Nina Dobrev, James Norton, Kiersey Clemons and Kiefer Sutherland.



A Question of Faith (PG for mature themes) Faith-based film revolving around three families whose fates become serendipitously linked by a tragic accident. Co-starring Kim Fields, Richard T. Jones, Jaci Velasquez, Karen Valero, C. Thomas Howell and Renee O'Connor.

'Til Death Do Us Part (PG-13 for mature themes, sexuality, violence, domestic abuse and profanity) Psychological thriller about a newlywed who (Annie Ilonzeh) flees an abusive marriage, adopts a new identity, and falls in love with another man (Taye Diggs), only to have her vindictive, jealous ex (Stephen Bishop) track her down. With Malik Yoba, Robinne Lee and Suzanne Whang.


INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

Gerald's Game (Unrated) Adaptation of the Stephen King best seller of the same name about a lawyer's (Bruce Greenwood) wife's (Carla Gugino) struggle to survive when he suddenly dies right after tying her to a bed during kinky sex play. Supporting cast includes Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel and Chiara Aurelia.

I Am Another You (Unrated) Road documentary highlighting the unorthodox lifestyle of Dylan, a free-spirited drifter who has rejected cultural conformity in favor of roaming around America as a hobo.

Judwaa 2 (Unrated) Action-oriented sequel about twins (Varun Dhawan) separated at birth and reunited as adults by a twist of fate in time to save their family's business from ruthless mobsters. With Salman Khan, Anupam Kher and Jacqueline Fernandez. (In Hindi with subtitles)

Lucky (Unrated) Introspective meditation on mortality chronicling a 90 year-old atheist's (Harry Dean Stanton) quest for enlightenment while living off the grid in a desolate desert town. With Ron Livingston, Ed Begley, Jr. and Barry Shabaka Henley.

Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House (PG-13 for profanity) Liam Neeson plays the title character in this biopic about "Deep Throat," the infamous FBI Agent-turned anonymous informant who toppled the Nixon administration during the Watergate investigation by feeding incriminating evidence to the Washington Post. Cast includes Diane Lane, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Josh Lucas and Eddie Marsan.

Our Souls at Night (Unrated) Romance drama set in a tiny Colorado town where a couple of longtime neighbors (Jane Fonda and Robert Redford) unexpectedly fall in love in the wake of both being widowed. With Bruce Dern, Judy Greer and Iain Armitage.

Signature Move (Unrated) Out-of-the-closet dramedy, set in Chicago, about a lesbian Pakistani (Fawzia Mirza) who falls in love with a Mexican gym rat (Sari Sanchez) she meets in the ring after taking up Lucha-style wrestling. Featuring Shabana Azmi, Audrey Francis and Mark Hood. (In English, Spanish and Urdu)

Take Every Wave (Unrated) Reverential biopic chronicling the legendary career of Laird Hamilton, a fearless, big-wave surfer whose daring exploits changed the sport forever.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Kingsman: The Golden Circle


Film Review by Kam Williams


Brit and Yankee Spies Join Forces to Fight Drug Queenpin in Higher-Octane Sequel


Kingsman: The Secret Service was a surprise hit which probably wouldn't have been released in the dead of winter of 2015, if Fox had realized exactly what it had on its hands. After all, most movie studios see the season as a dumping ground for pictures with low expectations, given the attention paid Oscar hopefuls, the risk of bad weather hurting attendance, and that many folks have less discretionary income due to Christmas season spending. 
 
Nevertheless, Kingsman bucked the odds, netting over $400 million at the box office, worldwide. Furthermore, the picture made such an impression on this critic that it earned the #1 spot on my annual Top 100 List of the best films of the year. [See: http://www.theaquarian.com/2016/01/20/the-10-best-no-the-100-best-films-of-2015/
 
So, excuse me for eagerly-anticipating this sequel, especially since Matthew Vaughn was directing again, and Academy Award-winner Colin Firth (For The King's Speech) would be reprising the title role, despite the fact that his character was killed off in the original. in Kingsman: The Golden Circle's stellar cast features three other Oscar-winners: Julianne Moore (for Still Alice), Halle Berry (for Monster's Ball) and Jeff Bridges (for Crazy Heart), as well as Taron Egerton, Channing Tatum, Emily Watson, Michael Gambon and Sir Elton John.

Besides adding a number of A-listers to the ensemble, the movie ostensibly adhered to the unwritten rules for mounting a successful, action flick sequel. Basically, that involves raising the stakes at every turn. Thus, Kingsman 2 boasts more bombastic special f/x, a bigger body count, and bloodier death scenes. 
 
The film's jaw-dropping opening scene alone is worth the price admission. At the point of departure, we find Eggsy (Egerton) being ambushed by an army of assassins led by Charlie (Edward Holcroft), a fellow Kingsman gone rogue. Now, Charlie's doing the bidding of Poppy Adams (Moore), a formidable drug queenpin bent on cornering the narcotics market globally.

After miraculously surviving the onslaught, the only hope for humanity rests in Kingsman joining forces with the Statesman spy organization, its American counterpart. What ensues is a bodaciously-flamboyant splatterfest periodically punctuated by pithy asides reminding you not to take any of it too seriously. The picture's only flaw is that it wears out its welcome after a couple of hours, which means the last 20 minutes could have been left on the cutting room floor.

Otherwise, Kingsman 2 is a visually-captivating, higher-octane sequel that ups the ante in terms of everything from star power to fight scenes to eye-popping special f/x!


Very Good (3 stars)
Rated R for graphic violence, drug use, sexuality and pervasive profanity
Running time: 141 minutes
Production Studio: 20th Century Fox / Marv Films / Shangri-La Entertainment
Distributor: 20th Century Fox

To see a trailer for Kingsman: The Golden Circle, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Nxc-3WpMbg